May 3rd was the grand opening of Hiddencroft Vineyards, Loudoun County’s northern most winery. We decided to visit Hiddencroft on their opening weekend to see what they have to offer and experience the new facility. Clyde and Terry Housel have been growing grapes since 2001;currently, they have six acres of vines planted, and these include cabernet franc, chambourcin, and traminette planted. We also got to chat with Clyde and Terry about their experience as vineyard managers and winemakers, and they also shared with us their dreams for the future of Hiddencroft.
As is the case with many Virginia wineries, Hiddencroft is a family operation, and our tasting was conducting by Clyde and Terry’s daughter. She skillfully introduced us to all four of their wines offered on the tasting menu. We began with the aromatic Traminette which is blende with a touch of Vidal Blanc. Nice floral and fruity notes make this Traminette a hit for the summer but could also be considered with Thanksgiving dinner. We then moved on to the youthful and light-bodied Chambourcin, and here again was another versatile pour that could grace a picnic or feel at home with a pizza. “Juicy” might best describe the Chambourcin. The final red was the Cabernet Franc, and Hiddencroft’s version is also blended with Cabernet Franc grown and finished from another vineyard. A bolder red wine was revealed here with a denser color and darker berry flavors. We did detect slight caramel on the finish. Consider this one with pasta, beef, or grilled fare.
Currently Hiddencroft is offering one sweet wine, the Sweet Cherry. Warren found this one to be rather intriguing. It is produced from montmorecy cherries grown on the Hiddencroft estate. Do try this one with the samplings of dark chocolate—simply divine. The Housels do have plans to release a sweet Blackberry and a sweet Apple wine later this year.
After our tasting we decided to sit on their patio and have some lunch. We selected the Cabernet Franc to go with our chicken parmesan and pasta. While enjoying our wine and food, Terry and Clyde paid us a visit. We ended up talked to both of them for more than an hour finding out all about the winery, the fruit, and their passion for growing grapes. We also got to meet Terry’s Mom who has also lent a hand in the vineyards. The hard efforts seem to have paid off, and the Housel, like other new wine artisans, have benefited from expertise offered from the close-knit winemaking community in Loudon County. The Housels gave credit to Doug Fabbioli, renowned winemaker, for helping them to craft quality wines, and we know that this collaboration will continue to pay dividends for Hiddencroft Vineyards.
If you are looking for a new winery to visit, check out Hiddencroft Vineyards. And when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you.